old son left very ill and forced to change diet
- Josie Gibson's son, Reggie, suffered from a long-lasting gut infection due to excessive sugar intake.
- After dietary changes, Reggie's health significantly improved, prompting Josie to advocate for better nutrition among children.
- Josie partnered with Boots to combat hygiene poverty, emphasizing the need for access to dental care for all children.
Josie Gibson, a presenter, shared her experience after her five-year-old son, Reggie, suffered from a long-lasting gut infection that required a significant dietary change. For two years, Reggie faced multiple hospital visits due to infections, leading to extensive medical tests, including concerns about cancer. Eventually, doctors identified an infection in his stomach lining, which was exacerbated by excessive sugar intake from treats given by family and friends. Josie expressed her guilt as a working mother, feeling she couldn't always be there for Reggie during his illness. After identifying the root cause, Josie emphasized the importance of a healthy diet for children, particularly in reducing sugar consumption. She noted that the infection was fueled by the sweets Reggie consumed, which had a detrimental effect on his overall health. Following the dietary changes, Josie reported a remarkable improvement in Reggie's condition, stating, "It was like I got my child back!" This experience motivated her to advocate for better gut health and nutrition among parents. In addition to her personal journey, Josie partnered with Boots to address hygiene poverty in the UK, where millions lack access to basic dental products. She highlighted alarming statistics showing that many children in hygiene poverty are experiencing deteriorating oral health and missing school as a result. To combat this issue, Boots is donating toothbrushes and toothpaste to The Hygiene Bank, encouraging public donations to support children's dental care. Josie also shared tips for making dental hygiene fun for children, suggesting games and songs to encourage regular brushing. Her commitment to improving children's health and hygiene reflects a broader concern for the well-being of vulnerable families in the community.